WASHINGTON - Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, today hailed the full funding of the Ares I rocket for this fiscal year, saying it will help preserve our nation's manned access to space and role as the world's "pre-eminent space-faring nation."
 
"This is also vitally important to my home state of Utah, where many companies and their employees participate in space exploration and rely on this very important work to advance our national interest while providing for their families," Hatch added after delivering his remarks on the Senate floor.
 
In his prepared remarks, Hatch noted the funding for Ares I demonstrates continued support for the nation's manned access to space.
 
"Ares I offers the maximum flexibility, and is the only rocket booster designed for the safety standards required for human flight, to achieve the objectives of Project Constellation or whatever new manned space program NASA decides upon," Hatch said.